Ulster County Community College: $6,376 Tuition

$6,376Tuition

1,265Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,896Earnings

Public2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Ulster County Community College

Ulster County Community College serves the Hudson Valley region with practical, career-focused programs that get students into the workforce quickly. The college enrolls 1,265 students on a rural campus in Stone Ridge, about 90 minutes north of New York City. Students here come for nursing, criminal justice, and business programs that emphasize hands-on learning and local job connections. With 99.51% of students coming from New York State, this is clearly a school that serves its immediate community first.

The financial picture looks attractive for most students. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,939 annually after aid, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay $3,930. Graduates typically leave with $10,000 in debt and earn a median of $41,896 ten years after starting college. That translates to manageable monthly loan payments of $106 for most borrowers. The 92.4% employment rate suggests graduates find work relatively easily in the Hudson Valley's growing economy.

The student body leans female at 56.28% and reflects the region's diversity, with 21.74% Hispanic students. Seven NAIA sports teams provide opportunities for 71 student-athletes, though no athletic scholarships are available. The 30.80% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Ulster County Community College serves the Hudson Valley with practical career programs and transfer pathways. The college enrolls 1,265 students with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for reasonable personal attention in most classes. Academic programs focus heavily on healthcare, business, and liberal arts transfer preparation. The nursing program has built a strong regional reputation among local hospitals. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in fields like criminal justice, early childhood education, and automotive technology. The 30.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. Most graduates either transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce with job-ready skills.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 59.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,896

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$66,461
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$53,810
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$32,391
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$30,409
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,685
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,613

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

The Hudson Valley countryside surrounds Ulster's 165-acre campus, where students navigate between modern buildings and scenic walking trails about 90 miles north of New York City. With 99.51% of students coming from New York State, you'll find a tight-knit community that feels familiar rather than overwhelming. The campus lacks dormitories, so most students commute from nearby towns like Kingston and New Paltz, creating a different rhythm than traditional four-year colleges.

Winter coats are essential from December through March as temperatures regularly drop below freezing in this mountain region. The student body of 1,265 splits fairly evenly between men (43.72%) and women (56.28%), with many juggling work and family responsibilities alongside classes. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in specialized programs like nursing and criminal justice. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities in the Catskill Mountains or trips to nearby New Paltz for nightlife. Seven NAIA sports teams provide school spirit, though with only 71 total athletes, games feel intimate rather than stadium-packed.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Stalking	6	2
Domestic Violence	1	2
Aggravated Assault	0	1
Dating Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–33°F
July Avg: 63°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.6"
Annual Snowfall: 59.2"

Student Demographics

Ulster County Community College draws its student body almost entirely from New York state, with 99.51% of its 1,265 students coming from in-state. This strong local pull reflects the college's role as an affordable pathway for Hudson Valley residents. Women make up 56% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing and human services programs attract female students. The student body is 58% white with growing Hispanic representation at 22%. With only 16% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves a mix of working-class and middle-class families seeking cost-effective education close to home.

Men: 43.7%
Women: 56.3%
White: 58.2%
Black: 7.2%
Hispanic: 21.7%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 99.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 15.9%

Location

Stone Ridge sits in New York's Hudson Valley, about 90 miles north of New York City. The campus serves a largely local population, with 99.51% of students coming from in-state. This rural-fringe community lies in the heart of Ulster County, surrounded by the Catskill Mountains and known for its apple orchards, historic sites, and outdoor recreation. The area attracts visitors for hiking, antiquing, and farm-to-table dining. Stone Ridge itself is a small hamlet with deep colonial roots, offering a quiet setting away from urban distractions. Students here experience a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Hudson Valley towns. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Ulster County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Stone Ridge, New York 12484

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,896
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,328
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Ulster County Community College?

Ulster County Community College follows the open-access mission typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. With 1,265 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in the Hudson Valley region. Nearly all students are New York residents at 99.51%, reflecting the college's role as a local educational resource.

What does Ulster County Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,586 after aid, making it one of the most affordable college options in New York. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,939 annually. With median student debt of only $10,000 and monthly loan payments of $106, the college offers a budget-friendly path to higher education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ulster County Community College?

The college maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. Classes operate on a semester system, allowing students to complete programs efficiently. The college serves a diverse population with 21.74% Hispanic students and 7.19% Black students.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Ulster County Community College?

Graduates achieve a strong 92.4% employment rate, demonstrating the practical value of the college's career-focused programs. Median earnings reach $41,896 ten years after graduation, reflecting the solid foundation the college provides for workforce entry. However, the 30.80% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer before graduating.

Where is Ulster County Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Stone Ridge, New York, in a rural-fringe setting that offers a quieter alternative to urban college environments. With 71 total athletes competing in 7 varsity sports through NAIA competition, the college maintains a modest athletic presence. The student body of 56.28% women and 43.72% men creates a balanced campus community.

How much financial aid do students receive at Ulster County Community College?

Only 15.87% of students receive federal financial aid, which is unusually low and suggests many students can afford the modest tuition without assistance. Among those who do receive aid, institutional grants average $4,985 for 24.03% of students. The low federal loan rate of 5.25% reflects the college's affordability and students' ability to avoid excessive borrowing.